WARDSBORO- Francis H. Capen, 85, known by many as Franny or Fluffy, died unexpectedly Saturday evening, January 18, at his home.

Mr. Capen was born in Jamaica on October 20, 1928, the son of Alfred and Rachel (Griswold) Capen. He attended Townshend Elementary School and was a graduate of Leland & Gray Seminary, class of 1946.

He proudly served his country in the US Air Force, enlisting in May of 1948 serving in the Asiatic-Pacific theater of operation during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge from active service in 1952 he returned home to the West River Valley area.

He was a tax preparer for more than 50 years, assisting area residents with their tax filings. He had been employed by the former American Optical Company for over 21 years and also worked at his father-in-law’s mill, Bills’ Lumber Company. Mr. Capen also worked as a rural postal carrier based out of the Jamaica Post Office, later working part-time as a substitute mail carrier. He also served as treasurer for the Windham County Court.

Active civically, Mr. Capen served Wardsboro as a selectman and lister and was a longtime director on the Wardsboro School Board. He also served as a trustee for Leland & Gray High School and chaired the Leland & Gray alumni parade. He was a trustee for Grace Cottage Hospital and also ran the bingo tent for Grace Cottage Hospital Fair Day. He was honored by each organization, receiving the Leland & Gray Alumni of the Year Award and the Grace Cottage Hospital Auxiliary Member of the Year Award.

He was a longtime member and Past Master of Blazing Star Lodge #23 F&AM, a member of the VFW Brattleboro Post #1034 and the West River Valley American Legion Post #16.

In his leisure time he enjoyed trips to Mohegan Sun with his gambling buddies Mary, Jackie, and Terri, going to bingo with Debbie, and sitting by a campfire with many nephews or under his apple tree at home. For the past five years it was his great pleasure to invite family and friends to his birthday parties at the Stratton Town Hall, where everyone who attended had a wonderful time.

He attended the Wardsboro Yoked Parish with his family. He was a steadfast supporter of West River area sporting events, attending most of his nieces’ and nephews’ events. Mr. Capen also enjoyed trips to Pennsylvania and attending family gatherings. He was known for his easygoing nature and wonderful sense of humor.

On July 17, 1952, he was married to Beverly Bills, who survives him.

Besides his loving and faithful wife of 61 years he leaves two daughters, Cindy Capen and Carleen Capen, both of Wardsboro, an “adopted son,” Erhan Oge ,of Putney, his “little sister,” Carleen Otis Pelsue, of Newfane, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Mr. Capen’s personal and longtime physician Dr. Robert Backus was considered more of a son than a doctor to him.